An MBA develops strategic leadership, data‑driven decision‑making, and people‑centred soft skills. These translate into faster promotions, wider career options and the confidence to steer complex projects, all while you continue working thanks to flexible, part‑time study options.

Looking to upskill with an MBA?

Going back to education to study a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can seem like a daunting prospect, especially if you’re a working professional considering studying around your existing commitments. You have to factor in the financial and time costs, and weigh whether the benefits are worth it.

One way to assess whether going back to study is worth it is by understanding what skills you’ll develop on an MBA and how they can help your career.

If you’re wondering what MBA skills you could develop on thisdegree and how these skills can give you a professional step-up, you’re in the right place.

97.8% of York grads were in work, further study or another positive destination within 15 months (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, UK postgraduate students)

Contents:

What do you learn in an MBA?

Top skills for MBA students

How can I apply MBA skills to my job immediately?

Prepare for a successful career

What do you learn in an MBA?

An MBA degree will give you a deep dive into business administration, helping you to understand the role of all areas within a business and how they work together. You’ll develop knowledge of management strategy, contemporary issues in leadership, managing across cultures, and more.

Discover what you’ll learn on York’s MBA across modules.

“The course has a wide variety of modules that all compliment each other." - Fran Cooper, MBA graduate.

As well as academic knowledge, you will also develop a range of soft and hard skills that are essential for leaders in modern work environments.

Our graduates are working in a wide range of sectors, from banking to multinational corporations and have gone on to become everything from brand specialists to human resources advisors.

Top skills for MBA students

The skills you’re most likely to learn as an MBA student include:

1. Communication

2. Leadership

3. Critical thinking

4. Data analysis

5. Time management

6. Entrepreneurship

7. Teamwork

8. Budgeting

9. Decision-making

10. Emotional intelligence

11. Public speaking

12. Market research

Below, we go into more detail on what each of these mean and how developing them can help you with your career.

How does an MBA develop your communication skills?

Strong communication skills are critical for MBA students. Whether through public speaking, business writing, or active listening, effective communication ensures that business professionals can convey their ideas clearly and persuasively.

MBA coursework often includes case studies and group projects that require students to practise their interpersonal skills. Business leaders must articulate their vision to stakeholders, collaborate with teams, and negotiate deals, all of which hinge on excellent communication abilities.

These skills are particularly valuable for roles such as management consultant, sales manager, corporate trainer, and public relations specialist.

What leadership skills can you gain from an MBA?

Leadership skills are among the most important skills for MBA students to develop. To progress to a leadership role, you need effective decision-making skills and strategic thinking to guide teams and organisations towards success.

By studying part-time and working full-time, or gaining real-world experience through internships, students can develop their leadership abilities by managing teams, resolving conflicts, and motivating employees. Business leaders who cultivate self-awareness and emotional intelligence tend to foster strong organisational cultures and drive business success.

Strong leadership skills will prepare you for roles such as operations director, finance director, and human resources manager. They could also prepare you for C-suite positions.

How can an MBA help you to manage complex problems?

In the ever-evolving business landscape, problem-solving skills are essential for addressing business challenges. An MBA programme will help you to develop your analytical skills and decision-making abilities by exposing you to case studies and real-world scenarios.

Business professionals must approach complex problems with a data-driven mindset, applying business analytics and market research to make informed business decisions. Critical thinking skills are a cornerstone of success in business management, helping professionals adapt to changing conditions and make sound strategic choices.

Careers in business analysis, strategic consulting, project management, and operations planning benefit from advanced problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

Why are data analysis skills essential for MBA students?

As businesses increasingly rely on data to drive decision-making, MBA students must develop expertise in data analysis and business analytics. These technical skills enable professionals to extract insights from data, assess marketing strategies, and optimise supply chain operations.

Many MBA programmes, including York’s, provide learners with practical experience using industry-standard tools to interpret trends and improve business performance. A solid grasp of data-driven strategies enhances an MBA graduate’s ability to compete in today’s business world.

For example, York’s ‘Managing Business Operations’ module included the selection and application of a range of complex tools underpinning contemporary business operations.

By mastering these skills, you could enter roles such as business intelligence analyst, data scientist, marketing analyst, or operations research analyst.

How does an MBA help you learn time management?

Time management is a crucial competency for MBA students juggling coursework, personal lives, and professional commitments. The ability to prioritise tasks and manage deadlines is vital for both academic success and workplace efficiency.

Moreover, adaptability is a key soft skill in an unpredictable business landscape. MBA degrees often expose students to diverse business environments, requiring them to adjust their strategies and leadership approaches accordingly. Developing flexibility and resilience helps business professionals remain competitive and innovative.

For example, York’s ‘Leading and Managing Organisational Change’ and ‘Strategy in Practice’ modules involve generating solutions to existing problems in a variety of contexts and evaluating change processes in diverse environments.

Strong time-management skills are essential in all roles, but particularly crucial for fast-paced positions such as investment banker, management consultant, or start-up founder.

What skills in entrepreneurship will you learn on an MBA?

Entrepreneurship is a growing focus within MBA programmes, equipping students with the skills to launch and manage start-ups. Whether pursuing an MBA degree to start a new business or drive innovation within an existing organisation, students must master competencies such as budgeting, supply chain management, and marketing strategies.

Entrepreneurial skills support individuals founding start-ups, and also help people who are driving innovation within existing businesses such as product development leadership and marketing management.

How can an MBA help you to build your teamwork and collaboration skills?

Collaboration is a fundamental aspect of business education. MBA students engage in group projects that simulate real-world business scenarios, requiring them to work effectively within diverse teams. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary for fostering teamwork, building relationships, and resolving conflicts.

Business leaders must be adept at managing group dynamics and leveraging individual strengths to achieve collective goals. The ability to work well with others is an essential skill in any professional setting.

If you’re aiming for leadership positions, teamwork and collaboration are essential as you’ll work alongside stakeholders from many other teams. Specific roles such as account executive and client relationship manager also benefit from these skills.

Why are financial and budgeting skills important for MBA students?

Budgeting and financial management are critical hard skills for MBA students. Understanding financial principles helps business professionals make sound investment decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and sustain profitability.

Modules in financial management and accounting provide students with the technical skills to analyse financial statements, assess risks, and plan for long-term growth. Business leaders must balance strategic objectives with fiscal responsibility to ensure business sustainability.

Having professional skills in budgeting and finance helps with positions such as financial analyst, corporate finance associate, and financial controller.

How can an MBA help you to make sound business decisions?

Effective decision-making is at the core of business leadership. MBA degrees encourage students to develop strategic thinking, enabling them to analyse market trends, assess risks, and make data-driven business decisions.

For example, York’s ‘Strategy in Practice’ module explores management strategy and focuses on being a leader for the future, including a knowledge of ethical and sustainable decision-making.

Through case studies and real-world applications, students develop decision-making skills that help them navigate uncertainties and seize opportunities. Business executives who excel in strategic planning and critical analysis are better positioned to lead their organisations to success.

These skills are critical in strategic roles such as corporate strategist, business development manager, and management consultant.

Why is emotional intelligence essential in modern leaders?

In addition to technical and analytical skills, MBA students must also cultivate emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and emotions enhances leadership capabilities and interpersonal interactions.

Business professionals with high emotional intelligence can build stronger relationships, manage conflicts effectively, and foster inclusive work environments. These soft skills are particularly valuable in leadership roles, where empathy and adaptability play a significant role in team management and organisational culture.

High emotional intelligence is key for HR leadership, executive coaching, and people management roles.

How can an MBA help you become a confident public speaker?

Public speaking is a vital skill for MBA graduates who aspire to become influential business leaders. Whether pitching ideas to investors, delivering keynote speeches, or leading team meetings, effective presentation skills are indispensable.

Some MBA programmes incorporate public speaking training to help students refine their delivery, improve confidence, and engage audiences persuasively. Strong communication and presentation abilities can significantly enhance your career prospects.

For example, York’s ‘Consultant Proposal and Pitch’ module includes producing a well-defined consultancy project proposal and pitching the idea in a Dragon’s Den-style environment.

Having strong presentation and public speaking skills will help your career in business development, keynote speaking, and executive leadership.

What market research skills does an MBA teach you?

A deep understanding of market research and marketing strategies is essential for MBA students. Business professionals must analyse consumer behaviour, assess competitive landscapes, and develop effective marketing campaigns.

MBA programmes teach students to interpret data trends and use insights to craft targeted marketing plans. These skills are particularly valuable for professionals in industries such as retail, healthcare, and technology, where consumer preferences are constantly evolving.

For example, York’s ‘Marketing and Society’ module examines marketing for businesses in a global society and explores the marketing challenges that all organisations face.

Expertise in this area is essential for roles such as marketing manager, brand strategist, and customer insights analyst.

How can I apply MBA skills to my job immediately?

When you study an MBA part-time, you’re able to keep working full-time and building on your professional experience so you’re ready to take the leap to a more senior position when you graduate.

Studying while working also enables you to apply what you learn to your existing role. You could take the lead on a new project and develop your leadership skills. You could find and test a new piece of software which may unlock new data sources or help to refine a process workflow. Perhaps there is an opportunity for you to run ‘lunch and learns’, presenting findings from your team to the rest of the business.

Look for opportunities so you’re ready to take them when they arise, and speak to your manager about taking on additional responsibilities related to your degree.

Prepare for a successful career

Are you ready to learn essential business skills and soft skills that will help you progress your career to the next level?

Study with the University of York on your schedule. Our part-time, 100% online MBA is taught flexibly, allowing you to fit your degree around your existing commitments and to continue building your professional experience.

Connect with peers all over the world in our virtual learning environment and grow your global network as you study. By connecting and collaborating across timezones, you’ll develop an understanding of today’s hybrid workplaces.

“The MBA course has been a great way for me to progress my education whilst working full time. The online part-time course has allowed flexibility in my working and personal time. The diverse range of students have meant that throughout the course, I have been able to connect and learn from my peers.” - Fran Cooper, MBA graduate.